Tuesday

This is one of the best historical romances that I have read in a long time. What makes it so interesting is the authentic Biltmore Mansion, the detailed look behind the servants' quarters door, and the class boundaries. All very well done!

I wasn't that intrigued by the romance story, however, because this is the first of Gist's novels where she harps on the muscles of the leading man, Mack Danvers. What is that all about? There was a scene at the servants' dance where the protagonist, Tilly Reese, and her love interest are basically lost in each other. That scene was magnificent, as well as the quiet moments in early morning when the two meet doing their chores. Mack Danvers became my hero the instant I found out how he was caring for all his siblings and when he punched the child abuser! Bully for him!

I have an excellent imagination, as well as most readers. There isn't a need to keep talking about muscles. That comes through our imaginations quite nicely, thank you. Except for that minor flaw, this is a worthy read and a keeper.

After a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small engineering firm--all from the comforts of home.

Squeezed betwixt-and-between all this, she read romance novels by the truckload and even wrote a couple of her own. While those unpublished manuscripts rested on the shelf, she founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products that would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities.

After a few short months of running her publishing company, Gist quickly discovered being a "corporate executive" was not where her gifts and talents lie. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she sold A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers. Since that debut, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, two RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

Her 2010 books, Beguiled and Maid To Match are now available for order.

Gist lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-seven years and their two border collies. They have four grown children. Visit her blog to find out the most up-to-the-minute news about Dee.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Falling in love could cost her everything.

From the day she arrived at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled, by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in proper servant etiquette, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid, After all, the one rule of the house is no romance below stairs.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangles in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs, their aspirations...their hearts.

No comments:

Common Sense Marketing Strategies, LLC

Created by authors for authors

Book Review Site

This site is specifically for book reviews. Each book has been received from a publisher or publicist and in rare cases from an author for the purpose of review, not for promotion. In very rare cases, I will review a book that I have purchased. I hope you enjoy the heads-up on each of these books.

Please leave me a comment if there is any way I can improve my reviews, if you agree or disagree with me. If you have a different view of a book, please leave a comment, too.

These reviews are published on Facebook and Goodreads, and announced on Twitter.

God's Blessing

About Me

My first love is using my
God-given talent to shine a light in a dark world, and I am so committed to
bringing God glory with my editing and my own writing. We are always looking for good authors at Christian Publishing House. I am a weekly columnist for Studylight.org and monthly contributor at LivingBetter50.com Each column comes out on Sundays at LiveAsIf.org for Studylight. Check them out.